Community Reporter

Lily Carey

Lily Carey covers local government and politics in Carroll County. She previously interned at the Chicago Tribune, Capitol News Illinois, and the Columbus Dispatch, and she has bylines in several national science magazines. Lily graduated from Northwestern University in 2025, where she studied journalism in the accelerated master's program. Outside the newsroom, Lily is an avid runner and a New York bagel enthusiast. Email her at lcarey@baltsun.com.

At Carroll fair, entrepreneurs with disabilities share handmade creations

November 11, 2025 at 5:06 p.m.

Vendors have worked to start their businesses with the help of Bello Machre, a nonprofit that provides housing and job opportunities to people with disabilities.

Production Manager Henry Unger, left, points out the H-Vac Overhaul and Repair area of the plant to Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker during a tour of Knorr Brake Company in Westminster. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

‘Carroll County is open for business’: State commerce secretary encourages frank talk on data centers, solar development

November 11, 2025 at 7:57 p.m.

During his tour of the county on Monday, Coker shared his strategies for helping rural counties like Carroll attract more businesses while also balancing "traditional economies" like agriculture and tourism.

Surveyors with PSEG make their way onto farmland along Baugher Road to survey to land for the proposed MPRP power lines in September. (Brian Krista/Staff)

PSEG responds to challenge to Piedmont power line: ‘Motion to dismiss lacks merit’

November 11, 2025 at 2:51 p.m.

The utility company behind the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project argues it has the right to enter private property for the power line.

Alan Grasley, of Sykesville, withdrew his 2026 candidacy for Carroll County’s District 5 commissioner seat. (Community Media Center of Carroll County/Courtesy)

Alan Grasley withdraws from Carroll commissioner race, making way for Krebs

November 10, 2025 at 3:16 p.m.

Grasley, a Republican, had filed to run in July, but withdrew in late October, saying current seat-holder Susan Krebs is doing a good job.

Route 32 at the Carroll County line looking north toward Sykesville. The Carroll commissioners are putting widening of 7.2 miles of Route 32, from Route 26 south to the Carroll County line, as a secondary funding priority in the state transportation plan.

Housing, farmland need balance in Carroll, zoning reports find

November 9, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Carroll County officials are asking how to balance keeping farmland with encouraging development.

Carroll projects overspending on EMS, savings on public works for 2026

November 8, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Since beginning the transition from an all-volunteer fire and EMS workforce to an official Department of Fire and Emergency Services with paid staff, Carroll has struggled to keep up with...

Freedom Area residents say uncontrolled development has led to dangerous traffic on area roads like MD 26, prompting the county to consider temporarily pausing permitting for some new developements in the area.

New developments in Eldersburg-Sykesville may be delayed by Carroll officials

November 6, 2025 at 5:01 p.m.

The move would give county officials more time to consider updating zoning laws in Eldersburg and Sykesville, a growing part of Carroll. But some commissioners are worried that it isn't...

Mia, left, and Michele Alessi, owners of Starlings Coffee, Kitchen & Bakehouse, pose for a picture following the grand opening ribbon cutting celebration in Westminster on April 9. (Brian Krista/Staff)

Starlings Bakery to close Westminster shop next week

November 6, 2025 at 9:57 a.m.

Fans of Starlings' sweet and savory treats will still be able to find them in Westminster.

Mayor of Mount Airy, Larry Hushour, in front of town hall office, Friday, November 4, 2022.

Mount Airy needs 149% rate hike over 5 years to cover water and sewer costs

November 4, 2025 at 5:12 p.m.

Results of an in-depth analysis of Mount Airy's water system's financial situation were far more dire than town council members expected.

An official state vehicle used to transport work crews and equipment rests as Maryland and MDOT officials hold a Work Zone awareness week kickoff on the westbound I-70 bridge over I-695. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

State plans to widen Carroll highways, fund transit in 6-year plan

November 3, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Upgrades to state highways, mostly in south Carroll, topped county commissioners' list of priorities.

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